Umaction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010 a Newsletter for United Methodists Working for Scripture-Based Reform in Our Denomination

UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010 A newsletter for United Methodists working for Scripture-based reform in our denomination.

UM Seminary Sponsors Anti-War ‘Truth Commission’ Help Elect Pro-Reform Lay Members of Your UMAction nited Methodist Drew Theological School endorsed chiatrist and expert on post-traumatic stress disorder, opened Briefing UMAction and participated in an anti-war rally at New York City’s his talk by asking a rhetorical question: “Are service members, Annual Conference Briefing U famously liberal Riverside Church in March. The event particularly officers, slaves of the state?” Unsatisfied with the at Riverside Church largely ignored United Methodism’s official shock value of a single question, he sought to drive the point SPECIAL ACTION: Help your local church elect The Institute on Religion& Democracy “just war” teachings. Called “Truth Commission on Conscience home, saying, “Are officers slaves of the state? And let that a pro-reform Lay Member of your 2010 Annual 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601, Washington, DC 20005-2601 in War,” the event was sponsored by an array of left-wing activist question settle in the pit of your stomach and curdle there.” Conference -- more than one, if your church elects 202.682.4131 • [email protected] Holston United Methodists Help groups and featured only speakers who were sharply condemn- Another speaker was Chris Hedges, formerly of The New York more than one Lay Member. Help elect a pro-reform www.TheIRD.org ing of the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Times. He alleged that aggression against the U.S. abroad is the Alternate too. Please act now. Besieged Christians of Southern Sudan The official purpose of the Truth Commission was to “launch consequence of past American violence. Referencing a famous conversations about just war, international law, and greater free- Riverside Church sermon of 40 years ago, he called the U.S. the Spring 2010 Key points: udan’s Darfur region, where African Muslims suffer under rule by Sudan’s dom of conscience for our nation’s service members.” Speakers “greatest purveyor of violence in the world.” IRD PRESIDENT/ UMACTION EDITOR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Islamist and Arabist regime, gets more publicity. But the Christians of south- focused on the alleged lack of rights for conscientious objectors “We speak almost exclusively to the rest of the world in the lan- • The 2010 Annual Conference will elect the delegates Mark Tooley S ern Sudan, whose civil war killed 2 million, are often ignored. Inside: within the U.S. military. One speaker bemoaned some soldiers’ guage of violence,” Hedges continued. “That language of violence is to the vitally important 2012 General Conference. CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN Even United Methodist News Service inaccurately confused Darfur with south- “disillusionment about the truth with the Iraq misadventure, one that we taught the world to speak back to us. It is the language the David M. Stanley Helen Rhea Stumbo • Talk now with pro-reform friends. Select and work ern Sudan when reporting on a conference about southern Sudan hosted by United United Methodist Lobbyist Attacks Tea along with the orchestration of lies and excuses and patriotism, hijackers on 9/11 spoke. Where else did they learn that huge explo- STEERING COMMITTEE Party Movement ...... 2 for a good candidate. Find out who is on your local Methodism’s Holston Conference. But United Methodists in Holston itself are not con- [which] leaves them no way out.” sions and death above a city skyline are a form of communication?” Jane Bonner William Bonner Ken Collins church’s Committee on Lay Leadership (nominations fused, and over 100 church members from Holston and elsewhere, including Holston’s Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey, of United Methodist Garrett Hedges ended by imploring those in attendance to look at war Janice Crouse Walter Fenton J. Robert Ladd UM Backed Group Attacks committee). Get the date of your annual Charge Bishop James Swanson, gathered in Kingsport, Tennessee on March 11-12 to discuss Israel for Lent ...... 2 Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, attempted to give and its attendant costs from a global perspective. “The pain that was Charles Miller Jim Otjes Bob Parrott Conference (usually in the Fall). Martin Nicholas Leo Scholl William Smallwood Holston’s extensive ministries in southern Sudan. a more philosophical critique of war. A self-professed expert in evident here, behind this podium – the pain of a mother who lost her Speaker Nancy Pelosi Applauds United Jean Leu Stanley John Stumbo In his address, Bishop Swanson explained the dynamic of the Holston-Sudan relationship. “queer theology” and “black and womanist theology,” Lightsey child, the pain of veterans who must carry with them the weight of Methodist Support for Obamacare . . .3 • Promptly talk with Lay Leadership Committee mem- “We’re not going to Sudan because they need us,” he said. “We’re going to Sudan because we said that a war’s “just cause can include self defense, protection killing – is a pain that we have visited on Iraqis, Afghanis, Palestinians ADVISORY BOARD bers and recommend a respected church member. George Anderson Karl Baumgardner Karen Booth need the Sudanese. And we need the Sudanese to show us how blessed we are.” United Methodist Bishop Helps Lead D C. . of the innocent, punishment for wrong doing, threat of aggres- [that] dwarfs any of our own pain,” he asserted. “And I ask tonight Plan for several pro-reform friends to do the same. Riley Case John Dowlin ira Gallaway Rev. Boo Hankins and his wife Rev. Phyllis Hankins, Holston clergy currently serving March for Liberalized Immigration . . . .4 sion, or restoring property.” Shifting to her area of expertise, she that when we leave we begin to see that the pain that we endure is the H.T. Maclin Joy Moore Quentin Nesbitt in Yei, southern Sudan, were able to address the summit through a Skype discussion. Boo UM Seminary Sponsors Anti-War added, “I found that intriguing, particularly since we as African pain that they endure, and that our true brothers and sisters are those • If the Committee does not nominate your sug- Thomas Oden Edmund Robb, III t. Terrell Sessums Hankins is serving as a transitional district superintendent for United Methodism in Yei. ‘Truth Commission’ ...... 5 Americans have been talking about reparations for quite some who carry this burden and with whom we must reach out … to make gestion, you can make nominations during the Faye Short Glen Spann Donald Wildmon During his Skype call he was joined by Sudanese in Yei who explained political tensions time.” Dr. Lightsey quickly moved on, leaving the impression solidarity with and to rebuild a broken world.” Charge Conference. Request a secret ballot. Do UMACTION STAFF between Islamist northern Sudan and mostly Christian southern Sudan. In January, Help Elect Pro-Reform Lay Members of that she finds at least a partial just war justification for aggression not be discouraged by resistance or criticism. To Your Annual Conference ...... 6 Action: Respectfully, ask the Dean of Drew Theologi- Connor Ewing southern Sudan will vote on whether to become independent from Sudan. Many question intended to “restor[e] property” to African Americans. continue United Methodism’s return to Christian cal School, Dr. Maxine Clarke Beach, why her school whether Sudan’s Islamist regime will allow southern Sudan’s peaceful departure from its As the event neared its conclusion, speakers continued to faithfulness, many more Biblically-minded, pro- endorsed this conference. Her email: mbeach@drew. control, especially because of southern Sudan’s oil. wander from the core mission of the conference in favor of reform Lay Members of each Annual Conference edu. Please be courteous! Sudan’s largest churches are Anglican and Roman Catholic. United Methodists have a other agendas. For instance, Dr. Jonathan Shay, a clinical psy- are urgently needed. Do you receive Mark Tooley’s small presence, operating under the East Africa Conference of Bishop Daniel Wandabula. • Consider and pray: are YOU willing and able to UMAction E-Newsletter? Holston Conference’s involvement in southern Sudan began in early 2006, when Bishop Be sure to visit www.TheIRD.org to sign up for E-mail updates! serve as a Lay Member? If so, promptly tell the Lay Swanson was handed a picture of a young Sudanese boy crawling to a feeding station. Leadership Committee that you would like to serve. If not, just sign on to www.TheIRD.org Perched behind the child were waiting vultures. Moved by what he saw, Swanson chal- BM1002 Yes, I (we) want to help UMAction inform United Methodists and their If the position has already been filled, offer to serve as and register to receive this timely and in- lenged his staff to think of ways that Holston could help the southern Sudanese. Holston families about the urgent need for church reform and faithfulness the Alternate Lay Member. Also, contact your district formative email on the latest happenings sent a three-person fact-finding mission to Yei, Sudan in April 2006. affecting the United Methodist Church. It was the first of 8 trips by Holston missions teams to southern Sudan, with a ninth Enclosed it my tax-deductible gift of: office and offer to serve as a district at-large Lay currently planned. The Holston teams, totaling over 70 people, have provided medical Member of Annual Conference. Mark and his team are constantly  $50  $75  $100  Other $ ______My Name: ______services to 3,000 Sudanese and over 125 hours of clergy leadership training. In early 2008, traveling the country and reporting Bishop Swanson joined East Africa’s Bishop Daniel Wandabula in signing a “Covenant on the latest developments within the _____ Please send UMAction Briefing to the Address: ______United Methodists on the enclosed list of United Methodist church. Agreement between East Africa Annual Conference and Holston Conference,” promis- names and addresses. ing ongoing medical support and leadership training for clergy. City, State, Zip: ______Please send UMAction Briefing to the names I Stay in the know! Action: Thank Bishop James Swanson for Holston Conference’s have marked in the enclosed church directory. E-mail Address: ______© James Allen Walker 2009 ministry with beleaguered southern Sudan: P. O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN 37701-0850; fax: 865-690-7112; email: [email protected]. Bishop Swanson speaks at the Thursday Register Today! www.TheIRD.org Clip and mail to: UMAction c/o IRD, 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601, Washington, DC 20005-2620 evening worship service (IRD/Connor Ewing)

6 UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010 UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010 UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010

United Methodist Lobbyist Attacks Tea Party Movement Speaker Nancy Pelosi Applauds United Methodist United Methodist Bishop Helps Lead D.C. March Support for Obamacare for Liberalized Immigration hief United Methodist Lobbyist Jim Winkler harshly bering examples that show racial- and gender-based hate remain attacked anti-Obamacare demonstrators, accusing active ingredients in U.S. social life.” The United Methodist them of hatred and racism. “This past weekend’s ap- News Service also quoted activist Gil Caldwell, a retired United C peaker Nancy Pelosi thanked The United Methodist plained. “There is more work to be done in the weeks, months and n Sunday March 21, while the U.S. House of palling display by protesters in Washington, D.C., demonstrates Methodist minister, who proclaimed: “It ought to be obvi- Church for supporting Obamacare before the fateful years ahead to fulfill the need for health care around the globe.” Representatives prepared for the final health care the overtly racist message of too many of the so-called ‘Tea ous now to most persons, that even as all Americans have the S vote in the U.S. House of Representatives in March. Winkler’s Board of Church and Society supported a more O vote, tens of thousands of people gathered on the Party’ members,” Winkler alleged in a public statement. right and responsibility to critique presidents and members of “That is why we’re proud and also humbled today to act with direct government take-over of U.S. health care rather National Mall to demand “comprehensive immigration reform” Winkler uncritically accepted claims by some Democratic Congress, some few people have allowed their un-reconstructed the support of millions of Americans who recognize the urgency than Obamacare’s preservation of private health insur- (CIR). (CIR is legislative shorthand for liberal immigration poli- congressmen that a few demonstrators had used racial epithets racism to come forth as they exercise their right to protest.” of passing health care reform,” she declared from the House ance. But Winkler saw Obamacare as a first-step towards cies that include a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants, and that one demonstrator had spat at a congressman. Despite Meanwhile, United Methodist lobbyist Winkler, as head of floor before a national television audience. “And more than 350 socialized medicine. increased visa quotas, a robust guest worker program, and an numerous videos of the alleged altercations, no evidence of racist the Board of Church and Society, hailed a Democratic con- organizations, representing Americans of every age, every back- “Jesus’ ministry serves as an example and a call to serve emphasis on family reunification.)The United Methodist Board language has been produced. A video of the alleged spitting in- gressman’s “deep faith and love for humanity” for not having ground, every part of the country, who have endorsed this leg- the least and the last among us,” Winkler explained of his of Church and Society, at the United Methodist Building on cident seems to show an effusion of spittle from shouting, not pressed charges against the alleged spitter. “As Congress has islation.” She specifically cited the Catholic Health Association support for Obamacare. “He asked us to love our neighbor as Capitol Hill, served as a staging area for the marching immigra- intentional spitting. A congressman referred to the ostensible debated and deliberated health-insurance reform legislation, and the United Methodist Church for having lobbied Congress we love ourselves — setting forth a faith grounded in God’s tion activists. Phoenix-area United Methodist Bishop Minerva spitter as the man “who allowed saliva to hit my face.” I have been deeply disturbed by the lack of basic decency and to “Say yes to health care reform.” abundance, generosity and a capacity for love that knows Carcaño helped lead the demonstration. TheUnited Methodist News Service even issued a special bul- common courtesy among people who have disagreements Pelosi’s website lists all the major pro-Obamacare groups to no bounds.” Carcaño and many other religious activists were organized in letin that rehashed unproven allegations that anti-Obamacare about public policy,” Winkler declared. But he aimed his which special thanks are due. It’s mostly labor unions but also lists According to the United Methodist Church’s official Social part by the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) conference. demonstrators shouted “racial epithets” at black congress- condemnation only at alleged incidents by Tea Party activ- the National Council of Churches, the United Methodist Board Principles: “We believe it is a governmental responsibility to EAD was sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Church men and a sexual orientation slur at openly homosexual ists while ignoring similarly incendiary incidents such as of Church and Society, and a coalition called Faithful Reform in provide all citizens with health care.” They further declare: and Society, the United Methodist Women’s Division, and the Congressman Barney Frank. demonstrators at a D.C. anti war demonstration that same Health Care that includes Church and Society and the United “Like police and fire protection, health care is best funded National Council of Churches, of which United Methodism is a “It saddens me, the acrimonious debate both in Congress weekend who wore t-shirts praising the Soviet Union and Methodist Board of Global Ministries. through the government’s ability to tax each person equitably member. About 700 church activists attended. This year’s EAD, and in the public at large,” bemoaned United Methodist Che Guevara. United Methodist Bishop Gregory Palmer, President of the and directly fund the provider entities.” themed “A Place to Call Home – Immigrants, Refugees, and Bishop Gregory Palmer, president of the Council of Bishops. Action: Respectfully urge Jim Winkler to be more Council of Bishops, also signed a March 18 letter organized Health Care Resolution 3201, approved by United Methodism’s Displaced Persons,” was intended to equip participants with the “We have failed to carry on serious debate without personal judicious in his public condemnations. 100 Maryland by Faithful Reform in Health Care to President Obama and 2008 General Conference, declares: “We call for swift passage of resources and knowledge to lobby for CIR. attacks and name-calling.” Tens of thousands of people gathered on the Na- Ave, NE, Washington, DC 2002; jwinkler@umc- Congress urging Obamacare’s passage. legislation which will entitle all persons within the borders of the The keynote speaker on EAD’s opening night was Bishop tional Mall to demand “comprehensive immigration The head of the United Methodist Commission on Religion & gbcs.org. Remember, please be courteous. Of course, chief United Methodist lobbyist Jim Winkler was U.S. to the provision of health care services, the cost of such services Carcaño, a familiar face in CIR circles. Bishop Carcaño is an reform” (IRD/Connor Ewing) Race, Erin Hawkins, referred to the Tea Party protesters as “so- pleased by the Obamacare vote. “We are not finished,” he ex- to be equally shared by American taxpayers, and the government outspoken advocate for liberalized immigration, speaking at to distribute the funds to providers in a coordinated rallies and events across the country. Her well-received talk Carcaño also explained how the pillars of the border fence that had and comprehensive manner. This concept, known as focused on the story of Postville, Iowa, where, in May of 2008, been erected in coastal waters were recently toppled by waves. “The single-payer, would extend health care to all persons in federal agents raided the Agriprocessors plant and arrested 389 sea had refused to let those pillars stand. And then it came to me,” she the U.S.” It goes on: “We cannot wait to overcome the immigrants on charges ranging from aggravated identity theft said. “If the waters of the sea could do that to the pillars, what could current barriers to a single payer plan, and therefore to document falsification. Invoking anecdote after anecdote, UM Backed Group Attacks Israel for Lent we Christians do if we let the waters of our baptism … topple the support all initiatives that move segments of our popu- Carcaño sought to convince the audience that comprehensive pillars of injustice?” In case her belief in divine sanction for her cause lation closer to a single system.” reform is the only solution to our “broken system.” hurches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) in Washington, ship in heaven,” contrasting it with the importance of “national cannot be rebuilt?” The Maryknoller also lamented “dispos- wasn’t clear, Carcaño concluded her talk by saying that opponents of This resolution was submitted by Winkler’s Board In its current form, she argued, immigration policy has at D.C. exploited Lent in 2010 as an organizing tool for citizenship” in lobbying Congress for “improving US policy to sessed Palestinian families in East Jerusalem,” the “continued comprehensive reform are opposing “the reign of God.” of Church and Society and was approved by delegates least two serious flaws. Primarily, it focuses too heavily on the C rallying U.S. Christians against Israel. CMEP released affect peace in the Holy Land.” More explicitly in his devotional, growth of the older Israeli settlements,” and “building restric- EAD participants, many of them United Methodist activ- almost unanimously after minimal discussion. rule of law. Citing a woman’s experience in the Postville episode, a series of Lenten devotionals for local churches, with nearly a United Church of Christ missions executive complained about tions” on West Bank Palestinians. “Are we not being called ists, also lobbied Congress while in town. Other EAD topics, Carcaño said, “We saw the integrity of law enforced, but the in- every devotional critiquing modern Israel or urging solidarity “Israeli settlements, the separation barrier, conditions of refugees, upon,” he concluded, “to speak out about collective punishment, Action: Inform your local church that besides immigration, included “Who Owes Whom: Climate tegrity of individuals and persons forgotten.” The second flaw of with Palestinians. and myriad aspects of occupation—as well as destabilizing and and the continued construction of the Wall of Separation?” its apportionment dollars helped fund Debt,” “Ending Torture at Home and Abroad,” and “Nuclear American immigration policy is the use of the fence on the U.S.- Members of CMEP include the National Council of Churches debilitating violence.” He implored that “we, as North American In the final CMEP devotional for Easter, a Mennonite contrasted lobbying of the U.S. Congress for Obam- Weapons-Free World.” Mexico border, which she calls “that despicable wall.” Carcaño and the lobby offices of Mainline Protestant denominations, Christians, who have deep ties with Palestinian Christians, re- St. Peter’s call for “impartiality” with how “Western Christians have acare, earning the thanks of Speaker said that the wall “has brought a shadow upon this country as Action: Please courteously and respectfully ask including the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. spond” by demanding an end to “violence and occupation.” too often promoted the view that there is a chosen people in the Nancy Pelosi. Work to elect delegates to dark as night.” Recounting the recent news of the halt in con- Bishop Carcaño to show restraint in her open borders CMEP partners with Friends of Sabeel, an American support An official from the Maryknoller order of liberal Catholics Middle East and have used that belief to support unjust policies.” the UM 2012 General Conference who group for Palestinian Christian liberationists who specialize in was even more detailed in his devotional: “As People of Faith and struction on the border fence, Carcaño declared victoriously, activism. 1550 East Meadowbrook Ave, Ste 200, Action: Read IRD’s Twenty-One Theses to Guide will listen to the great majority of United organizing U.S. Christians behind pro-Palestinian causes. Justice, and citizens of a Nation supportive of Israel, are we not “As people of faith, we knew it was coming because the God we Phoenix, AZ 85014-4040; fax: 602-279-1355; email: Christian Engagement With the Middle East on our Methodists, and repeal our church’s far- One Lenten devotional from a CMEP member, who is a United being called upon to speak out about the continuing siege and serve won’t let walls of oppression and separation stand.” [email protected]. website or email for a copy at [email protected]. left position on health care. Methodist deacon, cited St. Paul’s affirmation of “our citizen- blockade of Gaza; about the thousands of homes there which

2 3 4 UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010 UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010 UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010

2 3 4 UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010 A newsletter for United Methodists working for Scripture-based reform in our denomination.

6 UMAction Briefing ❖ Spring 2010 A newsletter for United Methodists working for Scripture-based reform in our denomination.

UM Seminary Sponsors Anti-War ‘Truth Commission’ Help Elect Pro-Reform Lay Members of Your UMAction nited Methodist Drew Theological School endorsed chiatrist and expert on post-traumatic stress disorder, opened Briefing UMAction and participated in an anti-war rally at New York City’s his talk by asking a rhetorical question: “Are service members, Annual Conference Briefing U famously liberal Riverside Church in March. The event particularly officers, slaves of the state?” Unsatisfied with the at Riverside Church largely ignored United Methodism’s official shock value of a single question, he sought to drive the point SPECIAL ACTION: Help your local church elect The Institute on Religion& Democracy “just war” teachings. Called “Truth Commission on Conscience home, saying, “Are officers slaves of the state? And let that a pro-reform Lay Member of your 2011 Annual 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601, Washington, DC 20005-2601 in War,” the event was sponsored by an array of left-wing activist question settle in the pit of your stomach and curdle there.” Conference -- more than one, if your church elects 202.682.4131 • [email protected] Holston United Methodists Help groups and featured only speakers who were sharply condemn- Another speaker was Chris Hedges, formerly of The New York more than one Lay Member. Help elect a pro-reform www.TheIRD.org ing of the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Times. He alleged that aggression against the U.S. abroad is the Alternate too. Please act now. Besieged Christians of Southern Sudan The official purpose of the Truth Commission was to “launch consequence of past American violence. Referencing a famous conversations about just war, international law, and greater free- Riverside Church sermon of 40 years ago, he called the U.S. the Spring 2010 Key points: udan’s Darfur region, where African Muslims suffer under rule by Sudan’s dom of conscience for our nation’s service members.” Speakers “greatest purveyor of violence in the world.” IRD PRESIDENT/ UMACTION EDITOR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Islamist and Arabist regime, gets more publicity. But the Christians of south- focused on the alleged lack of rights for conscientious objectors “We speak almost exclusively to the rest of the world in the lan- • The 2011 Annual Conference will elect the delegates Mark Tooley S ern Sudan, whose civil war killed 2 million, are often ignored. Inside: within the U.S. military. One speaker bemoaned some soldiers’ guage of violence,” Hedges continued. “That language of violence is to the vitally important 2012 General Conference. CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN Even United Methodist News Service inaccurately confused Darfur with south- “disillusionment about the truth with the Iraq misadventure, one that we taught the world to speak back to us. It is the language the David M. Stanley Helen Rhea Stumbo • Talk now with pro-reform friends. Select and work ern Sudan when reporting on a conference about southern Sudan hosted by United United Methodist Lobbyist Attacks Tea along with the orchestration of lies and excuses and patriotism, hijackers on 9/11 spoke. Where else did they learn that huge explo- STEERING COMMITTEE Party Movement ...... 2 for a good candidate. Find out who is on your local Methodism’s Holston Conference. But United Methodists in Holston itself are not con- [which] leaves them no way out.” sions and death above a city skyline are a form of communication?” Jane Bonner William Bonner Ken Collins church’s Committee on Lay Leadership (nominations fused, and over 100 church members from Holston and elsewhere, including Holston’s Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey, of United Methodist Garrett Hedges ended by imploring those in attendance to look at war Janice Crouse Walter Fenton J. Robert Ladd UM Backed Group Attacks committee). Get the date of your annual Charge Bishop James Swanson, gathered in Kingsport, Tennessee on March 11-12 to discuss Israel for Lent ...... 2 Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, attempted to give and its attendant costs from a global perspective. “The pain that was Charles Miller Jim Otjes Bob Parrott Conference (usually in the Fall). Martin Nicholas Leo Scholl William Smallwood Holston’s extensive ministries in southern Sudan. a more philosophical critique of war. A self-professed expert in evident here, behind this podium – the pain of a mother who lost her Speaker Nancy Pelosi Applauds United Jean Leu Stanley John Stumbo In his address, Bishop Swanson explained the dynamic of the Holston-Sudan relationship. “queer theology” and “black and womanist theology,” Lightsey child, the pain of veterans who must carry with them the weight of Methodist Support for Obamacare . . .3 • Promptly talk with Lay Leadership Committee mem- “We’re not going to Sudan because they need us,” he said. “We’re going to Sudan because we said that a war’s “just cause can include self defense, protection killing – is a pain that we have visited on Iraqis, Afghanis, Palestinians ADVISORY BOARD bers and recommend a respected church member. George Anderson Karl Baumgardner Karen Booth need the Sudanese. And we need the Sudanese to show us how blessed we are.” United Methodist Bishop Helps Lead D C. . of the innocent, punishment for wrong doing, threat of aggres- [that] dwarfs any of our own pain,” he asserted. “And I ask tonight Plan for several pro-reform friends to do the same. Riley Case John Dowlin Ira Gallaway Rev. Boo Hankins and his wife Rev. Phyllis Hankins, Holston clergy currently serving March for Liberalized Immigration . . . .4 sion, or restoring property.” Shifting to her area of expertise, she that when we leave we begin to see that the pain that we endure is the H.T. Maclin Joy Moore Quentin Nesbitt in Yei, southern Sudan, were able to address the summit through a Skype discussion. Boo UM Seminary Sponsors Anti-War added, “I found that intriguing, particularly since we as African pain that they endure, and that our true brothers and sisters are those • If the Committee does not nominate your sug- Thomas Oden Edmund Robb, III T. Terrell Sessums Hankins is serving as a transitional district superintendent for United Methodism in Yei. ‘Truth Commission’ ...... 5 Americans have been talking about reparations for quite some who carry this burden and with whom we must reach out … to make gestion, you can make nominations during the Faye Short Glen Spann Donald Wildmon During his Skype call he was joined by Sudanese in Yei who explained political tensions time.” Dr. Lightsey quickly moved on, leaving the impression solidarity with and to rebuild a broken world.” Charge Conference. Request a secret ballot. Do UMACTION STAFF between Islamist northern Sudan and mostly Christian southern Sudan. In January, Help Elect Pro-Reform Lay Members of that she finds at least a partial just war justification for aggression not be discouraged by resistance or criticism. To Your Annual Conference ...... 6 Action: Respectfully, ask the Dean of Drew Theologi- Connor Ewing southern Sudan will vote on whether to become independent from Sudan. Many question intended to “restor[e] property” to African Americans. continue United Methodism’s return to Christian cal School, Dr. Maxine Clarke Beach, why her school whether Sudan’s Islamist regime will allow southern Sudan’s peaceful departure from its As the event neared its conclusion, speakers continued to faithfulness, many more Biblically-minded, pro- endorsed this conference. Her email: mbeach@drew. control, especially because of southern Sudan’s oil. wander from the core mission of the conference in favor of reform Lay Members of each Annual Conference edu. Please be courteous! Sudan’s largest churches are Anglican and Roman Catholic. United Methodists have a other agendas. For instance, Dr. Jonathan Shay, a clinical psy- are urgently needed. Do you receive Mark Tooley’s small presence, operating under the East Africa Conference of Bishop Daniel Wandabula. • Consider and pray: are YOU willing and able to UMAction E-Newsletter? Holston Conference’s involvement in southern Sudan began in early 2006, when Bishop Be sure to visit www.TheIRD.org to sign up for E-mail updates! serve as a Lay Member? If so, promptly tell the Lay Swanson was handed a picture of a young Sudanese boy crawling to a feeding station. Leadership Committee that you would like to serve. If not, just sign on to www.TheIRD.org Perched behind the child were waiting vultures. Moved by what he saw, Swanson chal- BM1002 Yes, I (we) want to help UMAction inform United Methodists and their If the position has already been filled, offer to serve as and register to receive this timely and in- lenged his staff to think of ways that Holston could help the southern Sudanese. Holston families about the urgent need for church reform and faithfulness the Alternate Lay Member. Also, contact your district formative email on the latest happenings sent a three-person fact-finding mission to Yei, Sudan in April 2006. affecting the United Methodist Church. It was the first of 8 trips by Holston missions teams to southern Sudan, with a ninth Enclosed it my tax-deductible gift of: office and offer to serve as a district at-large Lay currently planned. The Holston teams, totaling over 70 people, have provided medical Member of Annual Conference. Mark and his team are constantly  $50  $75  $100  Other $ ______My Name: ______services to 3,000 Sudanese and over 125 hours of clergy leadership training. In early 2008, traveling the country and reporting Bishop Swanson joined East Africa’s Bishop Daniel Wandabula in signing a “Covenant on the latest developments within the _____ Please send UMAction Briefing to the Address: ______United Methodists on the enclosed list of United Methodist church. Agreement between East Africa Annual Conference and Holston Conference,” promis- names and addresses. ing ongoing medical support and leadership training for clergy. City, State, Zip: ______Please send UMAction Briefing to the names I Stay in the know! Action: Thank Bishop James Swanson for Holston Conference’s have marked in the enclosed church directory. E-mail Address: ______© James Allen Walker 2009 ministry with beleaguered southern Sudan: P. O. Box 850, Alcoa, TN 37701-0850; fax: 865-690-7112; email: [email protected]. Bishop Swanson speaks at the Thursday Register Today! www.TheIRD.org Clip and mail to: UMAction c/o IRD, 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601, Washington, DC 20005-2620 evening worship service (IRD/Connor Ewing)